Anybody here cut off the Kadee/Micro-Trains etc. coupler trip pins and use skewers or 0-5-0 switchers and just forget about magnetic coupling altogether? Tom G.
Primarily the operators here in KC use skewers; some use the skewer to trip the pins below the couplers, others use the skewer to rotate and separate from above.
Tom, I like to use both uncoupling ramps and manual skewers as appropriate. For yard classification the ramps are quick and don't require space to access, and for some industries likewise, especially in tight or hard-to-reach places. But for up-front uncoupling at random points, and especially on the main line, ramps are bad. They can cause nuisance uncouplings and they are unsightly. I found some thin plastic swizzle sticks at our neighborhood bar with little spear tips that work wonderfully. We were out with some friends having a drink and I thought, "Why are you staring at your drink." The human mind is a wonderful thing, but the mind of a model railroader is something else altogether. Ken McElreath
If you are running primarily passenger trains, as I do, it is near impossible to get between the cars with skewers unless there are no diaphragms. Hence, in the passenger terminal and coach yard, I rely upon magnets. GS
Chinese restaurants that serve chopsticks give you a good instrument to fabricate a skewer. One aside: I remember the Kalmbach video of Chick Hitchcock's beautiful Santa Fe Argentine layout (the early one with passenger trains) and how wonderful everything was, scenery, trackage, the smooth running etc. As neat a layout as I've ever seen, but then how hokey the magnetic coupling and uncoupling looked. Tom G.
With his newer Argentine Industrial District Ry (primarily a switching layout), Chuck eliminated the magnets and we use the very small diameter skewers.
Sounds as if it depends on the circumstances. On a side note. I cut the pins off on an old Cival War era train I had at one time. Probably still have them somewhere.
Starbucks has started using green plastic stirrers with their coffee. They're flat at the end; I've trimmed off the bulbous "wings" on them so that it represents a flattened skewer point. The slicker nature of the plastic seems to work nicely, and as Greg noted clearance issues when using passenger cars w/diaphragms, the slimmer design might work better. I've not tried it on passenger cars but thus far, I've liked how they work for freight cars. Best Regards,
Some people use small, flathead, precision screwdrivers. http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=64700
I was thinking of fabricating some skewers out of chopsticks, but I have a favorite little screwdriver I've been using that works fine and has a red handle and it's easy to find. I second the idea that a small screwdriver is an ideal uncoupling device. Tom G.
I use the same - a precision flat screwdriver. Works fine. I have one of those magnet things also - on a handle and you drop it down over the couplers. Screwdriver works better. Then, when I'm in a hurry, the great, giant human hand-shaped sky hook drops down. Ken
